I'm interested to know if anyone has had the chance to test these boards and give a report. Similar riding style, versatility and maneuverability in small to medium-sized, imperfect waves.

ECUVOL said..
I'm interested to know if anyone has had the chance to test these boards and give a report. Similar riding style, versatility and maneuverability in small to medium-sized, imperfect waves.

Hi,

I've had the 8'3 Twin fin for a few months now and wrote a brief report about it earlier. A few weeks ago I also decided to buy the 8'5 B-Line Twin, because obviously I have nothing better to do, and have since surfed it on six days, in San Diego waves ranging from about two feet to about overhead. They are both really good boards. I will start with the similarities - they're both really, really fast and really, really fun. As goes the difference: the Starboard has a notable flex that propels you out of bottom turns whereas the Infinity is a fair bit stiffer. The Infinity, even though it's seven liters lighter, is also an inch wider and definitely feels more stable and a bit more grounded. The Starboard will just hook in a wave face whereas the Infinity will slide out a bit at the tail with strong waves; mind you I haven't put in the trailer fin (in either board) which may remedy that. The Starboard is best for fast sweeping lines, whereas the Infinity will just attack the lip over and over again. If I had to choose one for fun and ease of use I'd probably take the Infinity.

Construction for both is excellent. I gave the Starboard a nasty paddle whack, which left a dent on the deck; over a few days it just disappeared, Christine-like, and now looks like new again. The Infinity is gorgeous and pretty tough, but the leash positioning and the shape of the "jet tail" means that you will grind the paint off the edge of the tail quickly.

I have only been on the Smik Hipster Twin once. Liked it, but didn't like it enough to buy it. Most people rate it though.

SoCalYokel said..

ECUVOL said..
I'm interested to know if anyone has had the chance to test these boards and give a report. Similar riding style, versatility and maneuverability in small to medium-sized, imperfect waves.

Hi,

I've had the 8'3 Twin fin for a few months now and wrote a brief report about it earlier. A few weeks ago I also decided to buy the 8'5 B-Line Twin, because obviously I have nothing better to do, and have since surfed it on six days, in San Diego waves ranging from about two feet to about overhead. They are both really good boards. I will start with the similarities - they're both really, really fast and really, really fun. As goes the difference: the Starboard has a notable flex that propels you out of bottom turns whereas the Infinity is a fair bit stiffer. The Infinity, even though it's seven liters lighter, is also an inch wider and definitely feels more stable and a bit more grounded. The Starboard will just hook in a wave face whereas the Infinity will slide out a bit at the tail with strong waves; mind you I haven't put in the trailer fin (in either board) which may remedy that. The Starboard is best for fast sweeping lines, whereas the Infinity will just attack the lip over and over again. If I had to choose one for fun and ease of use I'd probably take the Infinity.

Construction for both is excellent. I gave the Starboard a nasty paddle whack, which left a dent on the deck; over a few days it just disappeared, Christine-like, and now looks like new again. The Infinity is gorgeous and pretty tough, but the leash positioning and the shape of the "jet tail" means that you will grind the paint off the edge of the tail quickly.

I have only been on the Smik Hipster Twin once. Liked it, but didn't like it enough to buy it. Most people rate it though.

Thank you SoCalYokel,
It is a great feedback, very detailled, really what I was hoping for and maybe for many others!

ECUVOL said..

SoCalYokel said..

ECUVOL said..
I'm interested to know if anyone has had the chance to test these boards and give a report. Similar riding style, versatility and maneuverability in small to medium-sized, imperfect waves.

Hi,

I've had the 8'3 Twin fin for a few months now and wrote a brief report about it earlier. A few weeks ago I also decided to buy the 8'5 B-Line Twin, because obviously I have nothing better to do, and have since surfed it on six days, in San Diego waves ranging from about two feet to about overhead. They are both really good boards. I will start with the similarities - they're both really, really fast and really, really fun. As goes the difference: the Starboard has a notable flex that propels you out of bottom turns whereas the Infinity is a fair bit stiffer. The Infinity, even though it's seven liters lighter, is also an inch wider and definitely feels more stable and a bit more grounded. The Starboard will just hook in a wave face whereas the Infinity will slide out a bit at the tail with strong waves; mind you I haven't put in the trailer fin (in either board) which may remedy that. The Starboard is best for fast sweeping lines, whereas the Infinity will just attack the lip over and over again. If I had to choose one for fun and ease of use I'd probably take the Infinity.

Construction for both is excellent. I gave the Starboard a nasty paddle whack, which left a dent on the deck; over a few days it just disappeared, Christine-like, and now looks like new again. The Infinity is gorgeous and pretty tough, but the leash positioning and the shape of the "jet tail" means that you will grind the paint off the edge of the tail quickly.

I have only been on the Smik Hipster Twin once. Liked it, but didn't like it enough to buy it. Most people rate it though.

Thank you SoCalYokel,
It is a great feedback, very detailled, really what I was hoping for and maybe for many others!

Happy to help!

SoCalYokel said..

jvriesinga said..
Can you comment on glide and wave catching ability on both of these if possible? Thanks

Ah yes, sorry about that. Glide is a big difference between the two boards that I should have pointed out. The Starboard has a big concave towards the back of the board, resulting in a smaller area of stability in an already small board. If you lean even a bit to the back, the tail sinks in, and the resultant drag makes for a board with comparatively little glide. I have had to paddle a lot harder to get going on the waves we have here, and it's starting to do a number on my rotator cuff. The Infinity has a more traditional bottom outline, from a single concave to double concave to a V between the fins, and the extra volume toward the tail makes for a far more forgiving board, and a lot more glide; two paddles and you're off.

I do have to note that your experience may be affected by the kind of waves you get. In steeper, more powerful waves, I doubt the extra drag of the SB will be much of an issue, and it will perform admirably, although it will still be slower to paddle around. If you surf slower, fatter waves like we get on the beach breaks here, or need to paddle a while to get to your wave, I'd go for the B-Line Twin.

SoCalYokel said..

jvriesinga said..
Can you comment on glide and wave catching ability on both of these if possible? Thanks

Ah yes, sorry about that. Glide is a big difference between the two boards that I should have pointed out. The Starboard has a big concave towards the back of the board, resulting in a smaller area of stability in an already small board. If you lean even a bit to the back, the tail sinks in, and the resultant drag makes for a board with comparatively little glide. I have had to paddle a lot harder to get going on the waves we have here, and it's starting to do a number on my rotator cuff. The Infinity has a more traditional bottom outline, from a single concave to double concave to a V between the fins, and the extra volume toward the tail makes for a far more forgiving board, and a lot more glide; two paddles and you're off.

I do have to note that your experience may be affected by the kind of waves you get. In steeper, more powerful waves, I doubt the extra drag of the SB will be much of an issue, and it will perform admirably, although it will still be slower to paddle around. If you surf slower, fatter waves like we get on the beach breaks here, or need to paddle a while to get to your wave, I'd go for the B-Line Twin.

And can you comment if the wider jet tail on the infinity create less control in overhead waves?

SoCalYokel said..

ECUVOL said..

SoCalYokel said..

jvriesinga said..
Can you comment on glide and wave catching ability on both of these if possible? Thanks

Ah yes, sorry about that. Glide is a big difference between the two boards that I should have pointed out. The Starboard has a big concave towards the back of the board, resulting in a smaller area of stability in an already small board. If you lean even a bit to the back, the tail sinks in, and the resultant drag makes for a board with comparatively little glide. I have had to paddle a lot harder to get going on the waves we have here, and it's starting to do a number on my rotator cuff. The Infinity has a more traditional bottom outline, from a single concave to double concave to a V between the fins, and the extra volume toward the tail makes for a far more forgiving board, and a lot more glide; two paddles and you're off.

I do have to note that your experience may be affected by the kind of waves you get. In steeper, more powerful waves, I doubt the extra drag of the SB will be much of an issue, and it will perform admirably, although it will still be slower to paddle around. If you surf slower, fatter waves like we get on the beach breaks here, or need to paddle a while to get to your wave, I'd go for the B-Line Twin.

SoCalYokel said..

jvriesinga said..
Can you comment on glide and wave catching ability on both of these if possible? Thanks

Ah yes, sorry about that. Glide is a big difference between the two boards that I should have pointed out. The Starboard has a big concave towards the back of the board, resulting in a smaller area of stability in an already small board. If you lean even a bit to the back, the tail sinks in, and the resultant drag makes for a board with comparatively little glide. I have had to paddle a lot harder to get going on the waves we have here, and it's starting to do a number on my rotator cuff. The Infinity has a more traditional bottom outline, from a single concave to double concave to a V between the fins, and the extra volume toward the tail makes for a far more forgiving board, and a lot more glide; two paddles and you're off.

I do have to note that your experience may be affected by the kind of waves you get. In steeper, more powerful waves, I doubt the extra drag of the SB will be much of an issue, and it will perform admirably, although it will still be slower to paddle around. If you surf slower, fatter waves like we get on the beach breaks here, or need to paddle a while to get to your wave, I'd go for the B-Line Twin.

And can you comment if the wider jet tail on the infinity create less control in overhead waves?

To be honest both tails are pretty similar, in design as well as size and performance. They both give their own (non-copyright) take on the Hipster Twin, but with a "break" instead of a hip and a half moon / jet tail instead of a swallow tail. Imitation is the best form of flattery. But both boards work just fine in bigger waves. I do feel like the Starboard has more hold in big power turns than the Infinity but I think that may actually be due to flex and the fins the boards came with - the Starboard fins have more rake and sweep, and the Infinity ones have more pivot. But I have not put the trailer fins in either boards, which I probably should in bigger surf, so this might nit even be an issue.

Thank you again for the clear report SoCalYokel. With the trailer, the controls in OH or more should still be playable...

SoCalYokel said..

ECUVOL said..

SoCalYokel said..

ECUVOL said..

SoCalYokel said..

jvriesinga said..
Can you comment on glide and wave catching ability on both of these if possible? Thanks

Ah yes, sorry about that. Glide is a big difference between the two boards that I should have pointed out. The Starboard has a big concave towards the back of the board, resulting in a smaller area of stability in an already small board. If you lean even a bit to the back, the tail sinks in, and the resultant drag makes for a board with comparatively little glide. I have had to paddle a lot harder to get going on the waves we have here, and it's starting to do a number on my rotator cuff. The Infinity has a more traditional bottom outline, from a single concave to double concave to a V between the fins, and the extra volume toward the tail makes for a far more forgiving board, and a lot more glide; two paddles and you're off.

I do have to note that your experience may be affected by the kind of waves you get. In steeper, more powerful waves, I doubt the extra drag of the SB will be much of an issue, and it will perform admirably, although it will still be slower to paddle around. If you surf slower, fatter waves like we get on the beach breaks here, or need to paddle a while to get to your wave, I'd go for the B-Line Twin.

SoCalYokel said..

jvriesinga said..
Can you comment on glide and wave catching ability on both of these if possible? Thanks

Ah yes, sorry about that. Glide is a big difference between the two boards that I should have pointed out. The Starboard has a big concave towards the back of the board, resulting in a smaller area of stability in an already small board. If you lean even a bit to the back, the tail sinks in, and the resultant drag makes for a board with comparatively little glide. I have had to paddle a lot harder to get going on the waves we have here, and it's starting to do a number on my rotator cuff. The Infinity has a more traditional bottom outline, from a single concave to double concave to a V between the fins, and the extra volume toward the tail makes for a far more forgiving board, and a lot more glide; two paddles and you're off.

I do have to note that your experience may be affected by the kind of waves you get. In steeper, more powerful waves, I doubt the extra drag of the SB will be much of an issue, and it will perform admirably, although it will still be slower to paddle around. If you surf slower, fatter waves like we get on the beach breaks here, or need to paddle a while to get to your wave, I'd go for the B-Line Twin.

And can you comment if the wider jet tail on the infinity create less control in overhead waves?

To be honest both tails are pretty similar, in design as well as size and performance. They both give their own (non-copyright) take on the Hipster Twin, but with a "break" instead of a hip and a half moon / jet tail instead of a swallow tail. Imitation is the best form of flattery. But both boards work just fine in bigger waves. I do feel like the Starboard has more hold in big power turns than the Infinity but I think that may actually be due to flex and the fins the boards came with - the Starboard fins have more rake and sweep, and the Infinity ones have more pivot. But I have not put the trailer fins in either boards, which I probably should in bigger surf, so this might nit even be an issue.

Thank you again for the clear report SoCalYokel. With the trailer, the controls in OH or more should still be playable...

As a postscript, I took the B-line twin out in the first biggish winter swell we've had here today; it was overhead to double overhead on tap. On a day like this, I usually take my starboard pro out, but I had a rough night (not the fun kind, a two-year-old that won't sleep) and I forgot to check the reports before I left. It worked brilliantly, to the point where I wonder if I still have need of the pro. I did not put in the trailer, because I forgot that one too, and my padding was off, because, you know, rough night, so I ended up taking a fairly large number of pretty late drops, but I never felt anything less than comfortable and in control. Really impressed.

Thank you again for this great feedback and kiping this post alive!

We might as throw the Kai Vault Twin in on this string. Anyone ridden one yet?

Finally got a sesh on my wife's 8'8" x 31" 140 liter Kai Vault ML
The Board

Looks like a piece of art right out of the box. I'm more of a flat sheen but wife loves the gloss. Weighed in at 17 lbs/7.7kgs. That's a 1/2 lb lighter than my 8'2" Blue Carbon Spice. ;) Doesn't come w fins but I have plenty of FCS2 fins to test. Ran Keels w a nub off and on to compare. Handle is a smaller 3 finger type and not great for long hauls.
On The Water

Board paddles super straight and smooth as advertised. Slides into waves super easy. Board is fast and I was surprised at how well it turned. There's a very pronounced V w the double concaves that lets you crank it around. Really not much difference between Twin or Twin w nub. Will test with a more upright Twin fin when we get waves again.
Conclusion: The board was all I was hoping for, I mean for her ;). Will be fun on smaller waves and places where I have a long paddle to break. I personally would've rather had the 8'6" but.it's for the wife's get out and paddle days. The board is thick but has some great downturned rails. I'm knit picking but I'd like the last 1.5 feet towards the tail even thinner.

AlexF said..
What's your weight? Im also interested in the Kai ML 8'8.
Being 94 kg and currently riding a 8'6 Quatro Glide Pro 130 liters, 7,8 kg

I'm 80 kg's. I felt the board was every bit as stable as her old 8'10" Quatro Glide Pro 140 liters. Far more surfy. On the Glide I'd have to really step back on the tail to get a good bottom turn and keep the rails out of the water. On the ML you can surf it more forward if you like or step back and it carved very nicely. It really has an old school fish shape. Unlike the Old Glide w the full rails the ML rails are really turned down nicely.

Big thanx to you for the update

ECUVOL said..

Shlogger said..
Update: I've had some time on the Kai 8'4" Surf and 8'8" ML (wife's board) in anything from waist high beach breaks to a head high point break. both are really fun and perform exactly as advertised. The ML, as you can tell from the outline has a naturally more drawn out turn, but is super fun to washout the tail in cutbacks. It's a very stable board, fast paddler. Liked it both in a Keel setup and Twin plus nub. The Surf is one of the most high performance SUP's I've been on. I was worried it would be too rockered out but it's fast and will turn as hard as you dare. Liked it both in a MR Twin plus nub and thruster Reactor Large.

One complaint. The handle only fits 3 fingers, the boards are light but I don't get it at all. I'm not sure what they were thinking, I like the narrowness as it's out of the way but the length could've been there and depth so you can get a decent grip. Other than that, they knocked it out of the Park.

So with gloves we have to forget it ?

I get it on the smaller boards, but not on the bigger. The SB Twin Acute Carbon has same exact handle. Regardless, I love everything else about the board.

Shlogger said..
Update: I've had some time on the Kai 8'4" Surf and 8'8" ML (wife's board) in anything from waist high beach breaks to a head high point break. both are really fun and perform exactly as advertised. The ML, as you can tell from the outline has a naturally more drawn out turn, but is super fun to washout the tail in cutbacks. It's a very stable board, fast paddler. Liked it both in a Keel setup and Twin plus nub. The Surf is one of the most high performance SUP's I've been on. I was worried it would be too rockered out but it's fast and will turn as hard as you dare. Liked it both in a MR Twin plus nub and thruster Reactor Large.

One complaint. The handle only fits 3 fingers, the boards are light but I don't get it at all. I'm not sure what they were thinking, I like the narrowness as it's out of the way but the length could've been there and depth so you can get a decent grip. Other than that, they knocked it out of the Park.

Hey Schlogger thank you for this. I pulled the trigger and got the 8’2 surf pro as well when one became available here in San Diego. I think I like it about as much as you do, it’s the perfect package, good on knee-high and double overhead. However, I have it with a thruster, and was thinking of putting a twin in it. Would you suggest a twin plus one over keels?
And I agree, the small handle is a giant pain. It’s not a light board, at least mine is not, compared to the Infinities and Starboards I’ve had, and to have to carry it back after a long session is just a bad time.

SoCalYokel said..

Shlogger said..
Update: I've had some time on the Kai 8'4" Surf and 8'8" ML (wife's board) in anything from waist high beach breaks to a head high point break. both are really fun and perform exactly as advertised. The ML, as you can tell from the outline has a naturally more drawn out turn, but is super fun to washout the tail in cutbacks. It's a very stable board, fast paddler. Liked it both in a Keel setup and Twin plus nub. The Surf is one of the most high performance SUP's I've been on. I was worried it would be too rockered out but it's fast and will turn as hard as you dare. Liked it both in a MR Twin plus nub and thruster Reactor Large.

One complaint. The handle only fits 3 fingers, the boards are light but I don't get it at all. I'm not sure what they were thinking, I like the narrowness as it's out of the way but the length could've been there and depth so you can get a decent grip. Other than that, they knocked it out of the Park.

Hey Schlogger thank you for this. I pulled the trigger and got the 8’2 surf pro as well when one became available here in San Diego. I think I like it about as much as you do, it’s the perfect package, good on knee-high and double overhead. However, I have it with a thruster, and was thinking of putting a twin in it. Would you suggest a twin plus one over keels?
And I agree, the small handle is a giant pain. It’s not a light board, at least mine is not, compared to the Infinities and Starboards I’ve had, and to have to carry it back after a long session is just a bad time.

I’ve ended up just leaving the MR Twins w a trailer in if it’s head or below. I like keels but it just didn’t feel as snappy which is to be expected. I liked it w the Larger Reactor Tri’s in bigger stuff and don’t think I would go quad unless it’s overhead plus as the speed went up but looseness went down just a tad. Of

SoCalYokel said..

Shlogger said..
Update: I've had some time on the Kai 8'4" Surf and 8'8" ML (wife's board) in anything from waist high beach breaks to a head high point break. both are really fun and perform exactly as advertised. The ML, as you can tell from the outline has a naturally more drawn out turn, but is super fun to washout the tail in cutbacks. It's a very stable board, fast paddler. Liked it both in a Keel setup and Twin plus nub. The Surf is one of the most high performance SUP's I've been on. I was worried it would be too rockered out but it's fast and will turn as hard as you dare. Liked it both in a MR Twin plus nub and thruster Reactor Large.

One complaint. The handle only fits 3 fingers, the boards are light but I don't get it at all. I'm not sure what they were thinking, I like the narrowness as it's out of the way but the length could've been there and depth so you can get a decent grip. Other than that, they knocked it out of the Park.

Hey Schlogger thank you for this. I pulled the trigger and got the 8’2 surf pro as well when one became available here in San Diego. I think I like it about as much as you do, it’s the perfect package, good on knee-high and double overhead. However, I have it with a thruster, and was thinking of putting a twin in it. Would you suggest a twin plus one over keels?
And I agree, the small handle is a giant pain. It’s not a light board, at least mine is not, compared to the Infinities and Starboards I’ve had, and to have to carry it back after a long session is just a bad time.

I really like the MR twins w a trailer fin for head high and below. Keels didn’t have as much bite for forward projection as twins w trailer.